Naruto Movies: Your Ultimate Watch Order Guide
Hey Naruto fans! Ever wondered how to watch Naruto movies in order and catch all the action? Well, you're in the right place. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything Naruto movie-related, ensuring you experience the ninja world in the best possible way. We'll break down the movies by release date, the best order for a chronological viewing, and even give you a heads-up on what each movie is about. So grab your ramen, get comfy, and let's dive into the world of Naruto!
The Basics: Naruto and Naruto Shippuden
Before we jump into the movies, let's get some basic understanding of the series. The Naruto anime is split into two main parts: Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. The first part, simply called Naruto, follows Naruto Uzumaki's journey from a mischievous kid to a promising ninja. The second part, Naruto Shippuden, picks up a few years later, with a more mature Naruto battling new threats and honing his skills. The Naruto movies are released in line with these two parts, which is important to understand when deciding how to watch Naruto movies in order. The story evolves and the characters develop a lot as the series goes on, it is a good idea to watch the series first before you watch the movies.
Why Watch the Naruto Movies?
You might be thinking, "Why should I watch the Naruto movies?" Well, the movies offer self-contained stories, expanding on the Naruto universe and giving us more adventures with our favorite characters. Some movies introduce original characters and villains, adding exciting new elements to the world. They also provide a visual treat, as the animation quality in the movies is often higher than in the TV series. They're like little extra helpings of the Naruto world that you didn't even know you needed, but trust me, you do!
The Best Way to Watch: Release Order
Okay, so the most common way to watch the Naruto movies is by release date. This is the simplest approach and keeps things in line with when the movies were made. It's also a good way to see the evolution of the animation style. Each movie builds on the previous one, so you'll notice how the art and storytelling improve over time. Remember, there is a release order for the Naruto series. If you're wondering how to watch Naruto movies in order, here they are:
Naruto Movies Release Order:
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004): This is the first Naruto movie, released after the first season of the original Naruto series. It's a fun adventure where Team 7 has to protect a famous actress, Yukie Fujikaze, and stop a villain's plan involving the Land of Snow. This movie is a good start, featuring Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura in action, with a standalone story that is easily enjoyed.
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005): Released during the original Naruto series, this movie sees Naruto, Shikamaru, and Sakura on a mission. They stumble upon a mysterious stone and face off against a new threat. This one is known for its cool action sequences and is a nice addition to the Naruto movie lineup.
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006): Continuing with the original Naruto series, this movie features Team 7 on a mission to protect the prince of the Crescent Moon Kingdom. It's got some great character moments and action scenes, providing another standalone story to enjoy.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007): The first movie of Naruto Shippuden, this one takes place during the Shippuden era, featuring a grown-up Naruto. Naruto and his team are tasked with protecting a priestess and stopping a powerful enemy from destroying the world. It’s a good starting point for the Shippuden movies. This film marks the transition to the more mature tone and style of the Shippuden series.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008): This movie has a unique focus on Naruto and Sasuke's relationship. It involves a mysterious village and a new threat, with Naruto and Sasuke having to work together. This is a must-watch for fans of Naruto and Sasuke’s dynamic. This movie includes the concept of the Sky Country, and is filled with great action.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009): This one delves into the theme of the Will of Fire, a core concept in the Naruto universe. Naruto and his team are on a mission to prove their loyalty and stop a rogue ninja. It's a great example of Naruto's evolving personality. This film explores the ideals of the Hidden Leaf Village and the importance of legacy.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010): This movie is a time-travel adventure! Naruto gets sent back in time and teams up with his father, Minato Namikaze. This is a fan favorite, providing a unique perspective on Naruto's relationship with his father and some exciting action sequences.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011): Naruto is falsely accused and sent to a prison, where he must fight for his freedom. This movie is filled with action and suspense, with Naruto facing off against a powerful enemy in a unique setting. This movie has a more serious tone, with Naruto struggling to survive and clear his name.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Road to Ninja (2012): This movie celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Naruto anime. It features an alternate reality where Naruto and his friends live different lives. This is a fun and unique experience, exploring what could have been. This film has a lighter tone and features many humorous moments.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014): This movie is the first of a new generation of Naruto movies, set after the events of the Shippuden series. It focuses on the romance between Naruto and Hinata, and it's a must-watch for fans of the pairing. It's a great way to see Naruto as an adult. This movie is a romantic and action-packed story, set in the aftermath of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015): This movie focuses on Naruto's son, Boruto, and his generation. It's a great way to see the next generation of ninja in action. This movie sets the stage for the Boruto series, featuring Naruto as Hokage and his son, Boruto.
The Chronological Order: Diving Deeper
While the release order is the simplest way to watch, some of you might want to know how to watch Naruto movies in order in a chronological way, within the timeline of the series. This means placing the movies within the events of the anime. It's a bit more complex, as the movies don't always fit perfectly into the timeline, and this is because most of the movies are outside of the main plot. However, here's an attempt to arrange them chronologically, based on where they seem to fit best:
The Chronological Naruto Movie Order:
- Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow (2004): This movie fits early in the original Naruto series, after the first season but before the Chunin Exams arc. It's a good place to start your movie marathon.
- Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel (2005): This movie can be watched sometime during the original Naruto series, after the Chunin Exams arc, but before the Sasuke Retrieval arc. It's best to watch before the big events of the first part of the series.
- Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom (2006): This one works well near the end of the original Naruto series, probably just before or after the Sasuke Retrieval arc. It provides a nice standalone story before the big finale of the original series.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie (2007): It can be watched early in Naruto Shippuden, after the Kazekage Rescue arc, but before the Hidan and Kakuzu arc. This places it at the beginning of Naruto's more mature journey.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds (2008): This one can be viewed during the Hidan and Kakuzu arc in Shippuden, offering a standalone story with unique themes.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2009): Watch this movie sometime during the Pain arc, it provides a thematic connection with the series' core themes. This places it in a time of great peril for the Leaf Village.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower (2010): This movie should be viewed after the Pain arc, but before the Five Kage Summit arc. The time travel aspect makes it a bit tricky, but this placement seems to fit best.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011): This is best watched during the Five Kage Summit arc in the Shippuden series. This movie is great for those who enjoy action.
- Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Road to Ninja (2012): This movie fits well after the Fourth Great Ninja War arc, offering a fun break from the main plot.
- The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014): Watch this film after the Shippuden series ends, as it is a direct sequel.
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015): This one is best viewed after The Last, as it continues the story of Naruto and his family. It sets the stage for the next generation of ninja.
Tips for Watching Naruto Movies
No matter which order you choose, here are a few tips to enhance your viewing experience:
- Watch the Series First: Knowing the characters and the world of Naruto makes the movies more enjoyable. You'll understand the references and appreciate the character development more. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
- Don't Overthink It: The movies are generally standalone stories, so don't worry too much about perfect placement. Just enjoy the ride! Relax and let the ninja action begin.
- Embrace the Animation: The animation in the movies is often top-notch, so take the time to appreciate it. The fight scenes are especially spectacular.
- Have Fun: Naruto movies are meant to be fun. Gather some friends, grab some snacks, and enjoy the adventure.
Conclusion: Your Naruto Movie Journey Begins
So there you have it, folks! Now you know how to watch Naruto movies in order, both by release date and chronologically. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the stories. Whether you're a seasoned Naruto fan or just starting out, these movies offer a great way to experience more of the ninja world. So, pick your order, get watching, and enjoy the adventures of Naruto and his friends!
I hope this guide has been helpful! Let me know in the comments which movie is your favorite, and enjoy your Naruto movie marathon! Believe it!